The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
Going to Bed Hungry for Weight Loss — Is It Effective?
Going to bed hungry is not an effective or recommended approach to weight loss, according to NHS guidelines. While a calorie deficit is necessary for weight loss, severely restricting food intake in the evening can lead to poor sleep, muscle loss, and unsustainable eating patterns. The NHS recommends a balanced approach combining a moderate calorie deficit with regular physical activity and adequate nutrition. Sustainable weight management in the UK focuses on long-term lifestyle changes rather than hunger-based restriction. Understanding how your body responds to food timing, portion control, and proper nutrition will help you achieve healthier, lasting results.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
Why Hunger Isn't a Reliable Weight Loss Strategy
Going to bed hungry may seem like a quick way to create a calorie deficit, but it often backfires. The NHS advises against severe food restriction because hunger signals can disrupt sleep quality, and poor sleep is linked to increased hunger hormones the next day. This creates a cycle where you're more likely to overeat and make poor food choices.
Hunger also triggers the body to conserve energy and preserve muscle tissue, which slows your BMI improvement and metabolic rate. Instead of relying on hunger, the NHS recommends creating a moderate calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day, which supports sustainable weight loss of approximately 0.5–1 kg per week. You can track your calorie intake using the free BMI calculator and progress tracker on this page to monitor your weight loss without resorting to hunger-based restriction. Eating balanced meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats helps you feel fuller longer and supports better decision-making throughout the day.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Practical Alternatives to Hunger-Based Weight Loss
Balanced eating is far more effective than going hungry. Focus on filling your plate with lean protein, whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats—these support satiety and stable blood sugar. The NHS supports evidence-based approaches to weight loss, including structured diet programmes and physical activity increases.
If you're looking for additional support, prescription weight loss medications are available through the NHS or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. These medications help regulate appetite and reduce food cravings, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit without relying on hunger. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand how medication-supported weight loss might work alongside lifestyle changes for your individual situation.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
Can you lose weight by going to bed hungry?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Going to bed hungry creates a calorie deficit but disrupts sleep quality, increases hunger hormones, and can lead to overeating the next day. The NHS recommends a moderate, sustainable calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day instead, which supports steady weight loss without hunger-based restriction.
What's the best time to stop eating before bed?
There's no clinically supported cutoff time. The NHS focuses on total daily calorie intake rather than meal timing. Eating a light, balanced snack 2–3 hours before bed is fine if you're hungry. Choose foods with protein and fibre—such as a small handful of nuts or Greek yoghurt—to prevent sleep disruption and overnight hunger.
Does hunger mean you're burning fat?
No. Hunger is a signal that your body needs food, not a sign of fat loss. You can lose fat effectively without being hungry by eating balanced meals in appropriate portions. Our free BMI calculator and progress tracker help you monitor actual weight loss results based on your measurements, not hunger levels.
What should I eat if I'm hungry before bed?
Choose light, protein-rich options: a small bowl of Greek yoghurt, a piece of fruit with a tablespoon of peanut butter, a small portion of cheese, or a handful of unsalted nuts. These provide satiety without disrupting sleep or derailing your calorie goals. Avoid sugary snacks or large meals close to bedtime.
Can weight loss medications help if I struggle with hunger?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to help regulate appetite and reduce food cravings, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit without relying on hunger. These are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment through the NHS or a private prescriber to determine suitability for you.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.